ASUSU brings ‘Death of a Salesman’ to Utah State
Monday the Montana Repertory Theatre will make its first trip to Utah State University to present “Death of a Salesman” at the Kent Concert Hall.
Sara Diem, Associated Students of Utah State University’s vice president of arts and lecture, said, “We chose Montana Rep. just to bring something different to the university.”
Upon the show’s opening on Feb. 10, 1949, Arthur Miller won the New York Drama Critic’s Circle Award, the Tony Award, and the Pulitzer Prize.
According to a Montana Rep. press release, “Death of a Salesman” is considered by many to be the greatest American play ever written. With Death of a Salesman, Montana Repertory Theatre continues its mission of telling the great stories of our nation, stories which reflect and reveal the core of the American experience and go to the heart of the American character.
“Death of a Salesman” tells the story of Willy Loman (played by Don Dolan), a traveling salesman who “rode on a smile and a shoeshine,” and now, facing the twilight of his life, must confront his failures and his family’s struggles with success, integrity and the ever-illusive American dream, according to the press release.
Montana Rep’s artistic director Greg Johnson will be bringing this show to life with the help of Dolan, John Patrick Lowrie, Chris Mayse, Ellen McLain, Bret Tuomi and Alysia Graber.
The Montana Repertory Theatre was established as a professional touring company and assembles principal actors, directors and designers with prestigious credits including Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours of Broadway shows and major regional theater credits.
Thaggard’s feelings for the performance abilities of this company are shared by many.
Sophie Pelissier, WYO Theatre Inc., said, “We can always be sure that whatever the Montana Rep does, it will be done extraordinarily well.”
Diem said, “Everything we have heard about them and from them has been positive.”
According to the press release, New York theater critics were unanimous in their enthusiasm following the 1949 opening of “Death of a Salesman.” What differed from one review to the next were the superlatives chosen to praise the work: “Majesty, sweep and shattering dramatic impact,” “a superb drama … rich and memorable” “to see it is to have one of those unforgettable times in which all is right and nothing is wrong.”
Diem said, “It’s an opportunity for the students to see something different.”
Tickets are $3 for students with USU ID and $7 for non-students. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Morgan Theatre.